Protecting Pets on Bonfire night!

The build up and festivities around Bonfire Night has already started, with a number going off on Halloween. For families with young children, it’s a time of great fun and excitement.

But it’s not all excited gasps at whooshing rockets, that seem to get louder every year and delighted squeals at the site of spinning Catherine Wheels- if they are still in existence!? lighting up the night sky.

For many pets and animals though this is THE worst time of year.

At Maurice Kilbride we love animals. So, when we came across this great advice from the RSPCA we thought it was totally worth sharing in our blog.

The article said an estimated 45 percent of dogs in the UK show signs of fear when they hear fireworks. Obviously, they can’t tell you how they feel! So it is important to take precautions and there are some things you can try to help your furry friends.

Here’s what the RSPCA suggested:

For Dogs

Walking dogs during daylight hours to avoid times when fireworks are likely to be set off
Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks
Put on some music or tv to mask the firework sounds
Create a quiet space where your dog can feel in control
Create some hiding places around your home
The report even included a link to a useful video which is below:

The RSPCA also gave advice for other animal owners.

Cats

Provide hiding places in your home
Cats can become more stressed if they’re outside during fireworks so try to keep them indoors on Bonfire night.
Microchip your cats in case they’re startled and escape outside

Small animals

Partly cover outside cages and pens with blankets so an area is soundproofed and hidden, but allow another area for the animals to look out
Provide bedding small animals can burrow in
Consider bringing them indoors – this will need to be done gradually so plan ahead

Horses

It’s not just animals in the home that can fear fireworks – horses can be too.
If you have a horse out in a field, check locally to see if there are going to be any firework displays in your area that may affect them.

For some animals the fear is so great it becomes a phobia. If you think your pet may have firework phobia contact a vet for advice.

We certainly do not want to be killjoy’s as we enjoy bonfire night as much as anyone and hope you, your family have a fantastic, fun filled evening, ideally at an organised and controlled display. But if you have pets yourselves or know friends and neighbours with pets, please spare a thought for them and make the necessary provision for a scare free night for them.

Thanks for reading.

Maurice

Whether you are selling, buying, letting or renting, we’re here to help. Call Patrick, Sarah, Joe or myself on 0161 428 3663 or email: sales@mkiea.co.uk for expert advice which is honest, accurate and informative. Better still, why not pop into our High Street office for an informal chat, you never know, we might even stretch to one of our famous brews!